Mel sympathises with Marcelino

Pepe Mel backed counterpart Marcelino Garcia Toral after his dismissal during Real Betis’ win over Villarreal.

Marcelino was sent to the stands towards the end of Villarreal’s 1-0 defeat for seeming to take protests with the match officials too far for what he perceived to be a missed penalty shout.

“It is normal for Marcelino to believe that his side have been hurt, like us on many other occasions,” mused Mel post-match.

“At the Bernabeu we had nothing from the referee and in the game last week, in Bilbao, also.

“Marcelino has been correct and gentlemanly. He has not insulted the referee.

“He has just said that the play was a penalty. I can assure you that he has not been disrespectful.

“I said to Carlos [the referee] that he had not said anything.”

Mel’s Betis on Sunday evening saw Nosa Igiebor’s first-half goal prove enough to end their opponents’ unbeaten start to the season.

 “We have had to suffer to win, although it is true that only one side, Barcelona, can win without suffering. Others have to work hard because the Primera Division is very tough.

“Villarreal are a good opponent, they arrived here undefeated, but I think that we have done enough to win. The result has smiled on us, but that is football.”

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